REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA SOBRE ABORDAGEM MINIMAMENTE INVASIVA NO TRATAMENTO DA APENDICITE AGUDA COMPLICADA

Complicated acute appendicitis remains a significant clinical challenge, with major implications for patient prognosis and therapeutic strategies. In recent years, minimally invasive surgery—particularly laparoscopy—has emerged as a favorable alternative to open appendectomy, offering benefits such as reduced postoperative complications, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. This integrative review aimed to analyze the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive approaches in the treatment of complicated acute appendicitis. Studies published between 2015 and 2024 were selected from PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS databases. Results indicate that laparoscopy is effective and safe in most cases, including complex scenarios such as abscesses or perforation. Technological advancements, including robotic-assisted surgery and single-port techniques, are promising, despite limitations regarding cost and availability. It is concluded that minimally invasive approaches should be considered the first-line option whenever feasible, and further robust clinical studies are needed, especially in pediatric and elderly populations.